Fighting out of Prokopyevsk, Russia, GLORY World Middleweight Champion Artem Levin (83-7-2) is captain of the Russian National Muay Thai Team and has successfully competed in both international kickboxing and Muay Thai.

All three of Artem’s Last Man Standing bouts in June 2014 went the distance with Artem ‘The Lion’ Levin defeating Alex Pereira, Filip Verlinden and Joe Schilling in spectacular fashion.

On May 8, 2015 Artem Levin’s title defense against Simon Marcus at GLORY 21: San Diego was declared a draw – a decision that was perceived as being extremely controversial and one that both fighters feel was unjust.

The decision then led to ISKA President, Cory Schafer posting a news bulletin on GLORY’s website titled: ‘How Do Judges Get To Be Judges?’

The long-term good news is fans will most likely see these two great kickboxing legends battle it out again in the near future.

Knucklepit appreciates Artem Levin stopping for a chat to give his views on the controversial result.
Artem, what are your thoughts on the judges’ decision for your title bout against Simon Marcus?

Artem Levin kneeingI think the decision and the referee’s work were ridiculous. He doesn’t seem capable to me! According to GLORY rules we can hold/clinch for two knee strikes. Clinches are allowed in GLORY! So why the hell did he deduct a point from my score? Let’s take the Tyson vs. Holyfield fight: there were around 11 clinches in each of first six rounds and you know clinches are forbidden in boxing.

It is the referee’s job to separate fighters if one of them overdoes it with clinching. Otherwise why is the referee in the ring? The ref should command by voice, and keep out of the action! I don’t believe Rosales is professional enough.

And I’d be glad if GLORY would set up the rules or hold judges’ seminars so they can determine what to score, what is allowed, and what is forbidden. Look at the scorecards of close fights. It seems judges watch different bouts – can I call it professional work??? Don’t make me laugh!
How would you score each of the five rounds?

I won the first three rounds and the fifth; Marcus won the forth.
What did you think of the amount of clinching in the fight?

Marcus pushed me to the ropes like a pro sumo wrestler; that’s what he’d planned. Clinching was just a necessary defense for me, not to allow him to work on his distance to his fight-plan scenario in the same way it had previously worked for Lewis, Klitchko, Ali, and Mayweather. I don’t compare myself to the legends – I’m trying to explain so that everyone can understand. I’m not stupid, so I didn’t work to his game plan to give him more opportunities to win the fight.
So you think it was unfair when you had a point deducted in the third round?

Artem Levin body ripOf course! Hey, before the next bouts I’ll give away a point in advance, so I won’t be distracted during the fight. I get used to this. I am the champion and I have to be much better than contenders. One point shouldn’t effect on the result.
Has GLORY said anything to you about a rematch with Simon Marcus?

There were no negotiations on the issue. But Artem Levin vs. Simon Marcus III is guaranteed for fans in the near future.
What were your strengths against Simon?

I believe I demonstrated my strengths by collecting more points throughout the fight and outscoring Simon, but that was not enough for the judges. Next time I’ll knock him out!